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Oct 12, 2016, 09:00am

Four Practical Strategies To Find A Job That Energizes And Engages You

Are you bored out of your mind at work? Getting no recognition? Not using skills that get your juices flowing?

Are you unsure about what you really want to do, even when well-meaning people tell you to "find your passion?"

For most of us, this phrase is unhelpful. You say, “I am passionate about Game of Thrones, improv and treating people fairly. Tell me how those things relate to a possible career.”

But if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and investigate, understanding your interests and strengths can help you find a more engaging career. Here are four simple strategies you can use to identify -- and land -- a job you genuinely enjoy.

Jenna Britton Arak uses this perfect phrase to frame your first step. Since there's no silver bullet to figuring out what you want to do, can you enjoy the ride as you investigate?

Take classes related to areas of interest to open up your mind to new possibilities, and to give you more clarity about what you do and don’t enjoy. In 2010, I had a hunch my corporate job wasn’t a great fit, so I took an online life coaching course. While the focus was too broad for me, I enjoyed the one-on-one time, the opportunity to inspire clients and the variety of the work. Eventually, I took a career coaching course and it fit like a glove.

If I hadn’t taken a wrong turn, I’d never have found the right destination.

Benefits: By taking classes, “you’ll engage your brain in a new way,” writes Arak. You’ll also gain a fresh perspective that will energize you. Ever noticed when you’re energized, you’re more inclined to take action?

2. Talk to five people whose career interests you.

Great news: You get to be a rookie again! With each person you speak with, all you have to do is lean into your curiosity and take in someone’s story. What steps did they take to get where they are?

You may find you have more in common than you thought. Take my client Jane, who had spent a decade as an administrative assistant and wanted out. She yearned for more responsibility, but had difficulty believing she had the chops to take on more leadership, so I connected her with a former colleague, Beth, who is now a very happy account manager at a newspaper. They had a 40-minute conversation about Beth’s job. Jane called me after the meeting.

“Julie, I’m vibrating right now.”

“Tell me more!” I said.

“I could so do Beth’s job. She said she had as much experience as I had when she got her job. That was really encouraging!”

Today, Jane is a project manager. She’s using her new Six Sigma skills and for the first time in her career, she’s happy.

Benefits: While talking to people you don’t know can be intimidating at first, remember: People love to talk about themselves. You'll also build your network with people who can possibly refer you to a role at their company or to other people who can provide insight.

3. Identify three career highlights and accomplishments you’re most proud of.

Use these three questions to get started:

1. What skills were you using in these scenarios?

2. What results or impact did it produce?

3. What business problem did it solve?

Now, look for patterns. At every job my client Laura ever had -- as a nanny, a personal trainer, day camp director and Montessori teacher -- she loved seeing the changes in the people she worked with. She knew she wanted a role with more responsibility where she would witness transformation. Now, she's volunteering at a fitness program for Parkinson’s patients and loves it. She’s also planning to become either a physical or rehabilitation therapist.

Benefits: A little self-reflection will go a long way in uncovering the talents which energize you. Answer the questions above with a friend and ask them what they notice are special skills you may take for granted.

4. Be patient with yourself and notice your “Yeah, Buts.”

Be aware of, but don’t succumb to, your “old story.” I’m astounded by the dazzling talent I meet only to learn their lives are dominated by an inner saboteur who halts progress. Fear, perfectionism, and unreasonable urgency are the hallmarks.

Your “Yeah, But” says:

• Fear: Yeah, but why would strangers want to talk to me?

• Perfectionism: Yeah, but what if I fail?

• Urgency: Yeah, but I don’t have time to figure this out? I need an answer this week!

These excuses are seductive. Instead of falling under their spell, consider reframing the issue:

• What is possible by stepping outside your comfort zone?

• What do you sacrifice by maintaining the status quo?

• What is your future self calling you to be?

Benefits: Fear, perfectionism and urgency stifle creativity and insight – the very qualities needed to imagine and move toward our best selves. When your fight-or-flight instinct is engaged, you inhibit wisdom and clarity from shining through.

It is said on our deathbeds, we don’t regret the things we did: We regret the things we didn’t do. Try to take at least one baby step closer to your ideal job this week -- I promise it's worth it.